FAIS Ombud Complaint Process

Figures current at 27 September 2026. Source: TradeAnswers.

How it works
StepDetail
1. Complain to the provider firstThe office expects you to have tried
2. Allow six weeksThe provider has that long to resolve it
3. Submit to the OmbudIn writing, with the documents
4. InvestigationThe provider must respond
5. DeterminationBinding on the provider, with a right of appeal
Scope and limits
ItemDetail
Who may complainA client of a licensed FSP
CostFree
Maximum awardR800,000 per complaint
Time barThree years from when you became aware
Outside its reachUnlicensed and foreign providers
Also outsideLosses that are simply the result of market movement
What the Ombud can and cannot do
SituationIn scope
Advice given without a suitability assessmentYes
Disclosure that was missing or misleadingYes
An instruction executed incorrectlyYes
A trade you instructed that lost moneyNo
A complaint against an unlicensed brokerNo
A claim above R800,000No, goes to court

Data maintained by TradeAnswers · updated as the figures change